I got Pepper from a family in Franklin, IN, just south of Indianapolis on December 20th, 2020.  According to his prior humans, he was approximately 5 years old, and born sometime during 2015. My trusty pup, Sparky (the Shetland Sheepdog) accompanied me that day to ensure a smooth transition for Pepper.  Supposedly, he wasn’t terribly fond of their dogs, so I bought a cage for Pepper – even though I knew Sparky would be a great travel companion. Once loaded into the cargo van (Sparky in the back, and Pepper riding shotgun in his cage) I noticed that the two had immediately bonded.  Sparky had his head over the seat, and he and Pepper were rubbing noses! After several blocks, I could tell that Sparky and Pepper would be just fine together.  So, while driving, I allowed Pepper to hop out of his new cage and accompany me on my shoulder instead.  While I briefly stopped to get gas and pay inside – no more than 5 minutes – Pepper and Sparky became best of friends.  I wish there were a photo of this moment: Sparky cuddling in the driver’s seat, while Pepper sat above on the steering wheel.